THABO

Many of those 15 years were spent writing songs and gigging with, Thabo and The Real Deal as lead vocalist, as well as many Extra Curricular collaborations.

Three years after forming, Thabo and The Real Deal – a politically, environmentally, and socially conscious band – were signed in 2014 to a major record label for a number of years; a tremendous achievement and very much deserved.

Before being signed, Thabo and The Real Deal independently achieved ambitions of opening shows for Artists they admired, such as Omar and Anthony Hamilton, for example.

Soul Feature with Thabo and The Real Deal

Acoustic Revolutionaries presents
Our Big Gig – Bob Marley Tribute/Thabo & The Real Deal
at The Media Centre, 2013.

Through Extra Curricular, THABO played with core members Noah Burton, Jack Button, Greg Nicholas, Martin Chung and John Waugh, as well as collaborations with the likes of Rob Bradley (AKA Jack Flash), Jade America Harris, and Ruby Wood.

Extra Curricular’s Last Day official video, produced by Under Wraps Records and filmed in Huddersfield, is truly worth a watch.

Both Thabo and The Real Deal and Extra Curricular have had such a huge positive impact, especially here in Huddersfield where these bands/formations were ‘born’.

As well as a Vocalist, THABO is a Producer and Educator. He cares deeply about Mother Nature and addresses issues like climate change through his authentic delivery of soulful lyrics. He encourages citizen empowerment and, with his infectious energy and power of story-telling through music, he positively inspires and moves audiences and listeners alike.

Through THABO’s spiritual presence, engaging style, and ability to effortlessly share messages of truth and hope, while also creating joyful experiences, he has the ability to connect with audiences on an unprecedented level.

Whilst signed, Thabo and The Real Deal had some incredible experiences playing to new audiences within the music industry, and on new stages and at festivals in the UK. As he went solo with the label, he had the opportunity to collaborate with some well known Artists in the music industry such as Idris Elba, Naughty Boy and Wilkinson, to name a few.

Along with Aron Kyne, Keyboardist and one-third of The Real Deal, THABO also opened for SEAL’s UK Tour at the Symphony Hall, Birmingham in 2018, not long before completely parting ways with the label.  

With Aron Kyne’s support, THABO moved on to focus on his Bantu Tronic Artistic project of expression exploring Bantu Culture, which is central to Zimbabwe, through personal philosophies, story-telling, vocals, music and visual installations.

Jolene has so much gratitude to all who have supported THABO & Co’s musical careers, including the vast array of venues they have played, both locally and nationally.

She also has so much respect for THABO’s soul brother… Artist, Designer & Founder of the ‘Be You Always’ brand, Benaiah Matheson. And of course Emmanuel Allert (Guitarist), Ali Mac (Drummer/Percussionist) & Aron Kyne (Fender Rhodes), the co-founders of ‘Thabo & The Real Deal’. Without them The Compilation above would never have been made possible. With respect also to the expertise and support that Jam Sponge brought to the band’s career.